Young forest can absorb carbon faster: why have we not focused?

Preventing severe global warming requires innovation in carbon management. One solution that starts to get attention is the potential of young forests to absorb carbon. A study published in Nature Climate Change shows that young secondary forests – especially those aged between 20 to 40 years – have a capacity of carbon absorption up to eight times greater per hectare compared to forests that have just started to grow back. However, this potential is often ignored in global climate policies.

Scientists argue that many approaches that exist today have not yet considered the ability of young forests in reducing carbon emissions. According to Prof. Adriane Esquivel-Muelbert from Birmingham University, this study highlighted the role of young secondary forests as an important tool in the struggle against climate change. He urged policy makers to further focus their efforts to protect and regenerate these forests.

The importance of the age and location of the forest

Location and age of the forest have a significant effect on carbon absorption capacity. Humid tropical forests, for example, are able to achieve maximum carbon absorption potential faster than forests in the Boreal and Mediterranean regions. This shows that focus on tropical forests can provide more significant results in efforts to reduce carbon levels in the atmosphere.

This study indicates that if around 800 million hectares of forest that are worthy of regeneration began to be considered in 2025, the potential for removal of up to 20.3 billion tons of carbon from the atmosphere can be achieved in 2050. However, the need for immediate action is very important to prevent loss of this opportunity.

Limitations of carbon market methodology

One issue that arises is how the carbon market today often ignores the protection of very young secondary forests. Dr. Tom Pugh, one of the colleagues of the study authors, emphasized that at present, market methodology must be revised so as not to miss the great potential of young forests. The study used more than 100,000 sets of field data and sophisticated models to map the capabilities of carbon absorption globally.

Protecting young forests is now more effective and more efficient than waiting for a greater impact. With a more integrated approach, we can utilize the power of young forests in absorbing carbon and contributing to the target of reducing global emissions.

Future step

Towards COP30 in Brazil, the need for a revision of policies that pay attention to the potential of young forests is increasingly urgent. Efforts to regenerate and protect these forests will not only help achieve the target of reducing emissions, but also contribute to a variety of other ecosystem benefits.

In the end, awareness and encouragement to support young forests as part of the solution to climate change must be further improved. Without concrete and directed steps, we will lose great potential in the struggle against climate change that is threatening life on earth.